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Welcome
Temple Beth David (TBD) is an independent Jewish congregation welcoming all members of the Jewish faith. Our membership includes Jews of all denominations as well as interfaith and Jews by choice. Temple Beth David is committed to maintaining a focal point of Jewish identity and to providing the religious services that the Hernando County Jewish community requires and can support.
Along with our weekly Friday evening and Saturday morning Shabbat services, Temple Beth David has a variety of religious and social programs throughout the year such as a congregational Passover Seder, a Night of 100 Menorahs, musical concerts, game & movie nights, and so much more! The Temple has an active Sisterhood and Brotherhood as well as a variety of committees such as cultural arts, caring, community outreach, and ritual. As a viable and growing community on the central western Florida coast, The Temple offers programs appealing to all age groups, including singles, young families, empty nesters and senior citizens.
The education at TBD is diversified and invigorating. For the adults, there are many opportunities to grow in the Jewish faith. Whether you are interested in Torah, Mussar, Kabbalah and/or the Hebrew language, we offer something for everyone. For the children, we offer weekly religious school classes and Bar/Bat Mitzvah instruction.
Experience the beauty and joy of Judaism with our vibrant Rabbi, Rebbetzin and temple family. Come and be a part of our active and friendly congregation. If you have any questions, feel free to contact one of the people listed below. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our Temple family!
MEMBERSHIP
TBD’s congregation exists because of the generosity and dedication of its membership. Our members’ commitment to the cultural and spiritual advancement of all Jewish people and families is key to our survival. It is our goal to make membership available to all who wish to affiliate. We welcome you to become a member of our family.
DUES ASSISTANCE
Financial assistance is available to ensure that membership is open to everyone, regardless of the ability to pay. You can confidentially discuss individual or family needs with our leadership who will work with you to create the best possible payment plan.
OPEN DOOR — OUR MISSION
Temple Beth David welcomes diversity among its congregation, students and friends; services are available to anyone eager to learn and who is interested in participating in Temple activities. At Temple Beth David, congregants join together to celebrate our faith in a warm, comfortable and supportive environment, where all are welcome.
Temple Beth David is a progressive egalitarian independent congregation offering a warm and caring environment to enrich the faith of all Jews through spiritual, religious, educational and social activities, each delivering the best of innovative and traditional ideals.
WORSHIP WITH US ...
Your connection to the Jewish faith is a vital part of who you are, and your family. We encourage full participation in Temple life, as well as offer full access to Jewish worship and religious experience for all of our members. At the same time, we cherish our Jewish traditions, and work to preserve them as a precious legacy for ourselves and our children. Our Shabbat services are held every Friday evening at 7:30 and Saturday morning at 10:00. These services consist of traditional and modern prayers and songs along with an abbreviated Torah reading, a congregant-led rendition of the Haftorah, and the Rabbi’s drash (sermonette) or discussion, walking amid the congregants and soliciting comments. Kiddush refreshments follow every service, with ample time to sit, schmooze, and make new friends.
HOLIDAY SERVICES and SPECIAL EVENTS commemorate the many Jewish life cycles throughout the year. These social activities and special programs are planned to appeal to the broad range of ages and interests of Temple Beth David’s membership and to celebrate Jewish life.
YIZKOR SERVICES are held on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, the eighth Day of Passover and the second Day of Shavuot.
THE TEMPLE BETH DAVID GIFT SHOP offers a wide variety of traditional and other Judaica and ritual items perfect for home, wedding, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and various holidays. All the proceeds from the gift shop benefit the many programs of Temple Beth David.
VOLUNTEERISM
Temple Beth David’s policies are set by the volunteer lay leadership our Officers, Board of Directors and Committee Members, all working closely with the Rabbi. Members are offered a myriad of opportunities to become active participants in the Synagogue community. You are invited to become involved in a committee, and learn more about the responsibilities and scope of TBD.
BUILDING USE
The Temple facilities are available to members in good standing for life-cycle events including Bar/Bat Mitzvah, baby naming, weddings, funerals, and other significant family events.
HEBREW SCHOOL
The Irwin Lieberman Hebrew School at Temple Beth David meets every Sunday (except for holidays and scheduled vacations) from September through May. Our Hebrew School incorporates the importance of Jewish education while recognizing the needs of modern families. To this end, we provide:
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One day a week Hebrew School
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Small classes
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Motivated and dedicated faculty
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Special Erev Shabbat family services scheduled throughout the year
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Preparation for Bar and/or Bat Mitzvah
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A varied curriculum that includes Hebrew language, prayer, Jewish history, cultural education, music, and more!
ADULT B’NAI MITZVAH
There is a beautiful saying in the Talmud, “If you will it - it is no dream.” We at Temple Beth David have already made that dream come true. Many men and women have voiced their regret in never having had the opportunity to study Torah, to be able to conduct daily prayers or to familiarize themselves with Jewish history and religious customs. Enrich your life, and carry with pride the knowledge that you accomplished what may not have been available at that specific time in your life.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I want to become a member but can I afford it? This question is often the first one asked by potential members. No individual, couple or family is ever turned away because they cannot afford the dues! Our staff is available to discuss this sensitive issue with you.
My children have grown. I’ve been there, and done that. Why join at my age?
That’s wonderful! But now this can be your time to personally delve into your Jewish faith in a whole different manner. Who knows, you may just be surprised at all the treasures still awaiting you in this most beautiful faith!
Can I just come for High Holiday services instead of joining? Come and join us for our weekly Shabbat services and you’ll discover something very special – a FAMILY. Services and programs are stimulating and provide a family feeling for everyone throughout the year.
I don’t know any members. Won’t I feel isolated? When you join Temple Beth David you become part of the family. Services are intimate and everyone is encouraged to get involved in committees, classes, and projects. By working together, we can get to know each other better.
Why do I need to belong to a Temple? The Temple is the heart and soul of the Jewish Community. In communities with strong synagogue support, most other communal organizations are also strong.
Without strong Temples, the future of the Jewish community will be in doubt. There is a financial cost involved in membership, but the cost is a small price to pay to help Judaism survive.